About Galapagos
Galapagos is a global biotechnology company (Euronext & Nasdaq: GLPG) with operations in Europe the U.S. and Asia dedicated to transforming patient outcomes through lifechanging science and innovation. We are in a new chapter of our transformation focused on disciplined capital stewardship and transformative business development to build a pipeline of innovative clinical programs. With a strong balance sheet Galapagos is actively evaluating valueaccretive opportunities to deliver meaningful impact for patients and stakeholders.
Associate General Counsel
Location: Chicago IL (hybrid 23 days/week)
Reports to: General Counsel (U.S.)
Type: Full-time
The Opportunity (Second-in-Command U.S. Legal)
We are seeking an Associate General Counsel to serve as second in command within the U.S. legal function. This is a highvisibility role for an attorney who excels at life sciences transactions and enjoys a broad inhouse practice. The position offers significant autonomy direct partnership with senior stakeholders and meaningful opportunities to expand leadership scopeparticularly into U.S. public company securities and Nasdaq matters over time.
While experience with SEC filings and Nasdaq compliance is welcome it is not required if you bring strong transactional experience a demonstrated learning mindset and the willingness to take ownership (with support from the General Counsel and outside counsel as needed).
Your role
Life Sciences Transactions (Core)
Lead and support a wide range of life sciences/pharma transactions such as licensing collaborations clinical development manufacturing/supply distribution services consulting confidentiality and other strategic commercial agreements.
Provide practical businessoriented counseling to crossfunctional stakeholders (BD R&D Clinical Commercial Finance Procurement Compliance) and drive negotiations to timely closure.
Support corporate development initiatives (e.g. partnerships financings M&A support as needed) including legal diligence and execution support.
Efficiently manage outside counsel including scoping budgets timelines and deliverables.
Securities / Nasdaq / Governance (Growth Path)
Partner with the General Counsel and Finance/IR to support U.S. securities compliance and disclosures with an opportunity to take on increasing responsibility over time.
Assist with drafting/reviewing public disclosures and periodic/current reporting materials (e.g. SEC reports and related releases investor presentations and other communications) and help maintain disclosure controls and calendars.
Support Nasdaq compliance and corporate governance activities (Board/committee materials policies insider trading compliance and related processes) with the expectation of growing into greater ownership as you ramp.
Broad InHouse Legal Support (Variety & Impact)
Provide daytoday legal support typical of a lean highperforming legal team potentially including:
Employment counseling and coordination with HR and outside counsel
Litigation management (strategy discovery coordination budgeting oversight)
Real property/facilities and workplace matters
Vendor/technology contracting and general commercial support
Policy and process development (templates playbooks training)
Who are you
J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
10 years of relevant legal experience including substantial experience in life sciences/pharma transactions (law firm and/or inhouse).
Excellent drafting and negotiation skills strong judgment and the ability to translate legal risk into practical business guidance.
Comfortable operating as a corporate generalist in a lean environmentable to move between strategic deals and handson counseling.
Strong ownership mindset: proactive organized responsive and able to manage multiple priorities under time pressure.
Prior inhouse experience in biotech/pharma (strongly preferred).
Preferred (Not Required)
Exposure to public company securities SEC reporting disclosure controls corporate governance and/or Nasdaq compliance.
Experience scaling legal processes (templates playbooks contracting and disclosure workflows).
Work Style / Location
Hybrid role with an expectation of 23 days per week in office (Chicago area or San Francisco Bay Area) with flexibility for focused work.
Travel may be required from time to time including international travel to Europe.
Whats in it for you
Compensation Transparency
The anticipated base salary range for this role is:
Chicago area: $300000 $340000 base salary
Actual compensation will vary based on job-related factors permitted by law such as experience skills education and geographic location. This role may be eligible for an annual bonus and/or longterm incentives (e.g. equity) where applicable.
Benefits & Other Compensation
Galapagos offers a comprehensive benefits package which may include medical dental and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and company holidays; paid parental leave; wellness benefits; and other employee programs. Benefits and programs may vary by location and are subject to plan terms.
Equal Opportunity & Accommodations
Galapagos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview please contact:
Fair Chance / Criminal History (San Francisco)
For roles based in San Francisco we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable local ordinances.
Notice
This job posting describes the position in general terms and is not a contract of employment. Duties responsibilities and benefits may change at any time with or without notice consistent with applicable law.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover note highlighting:
(1) your life sciences transactional experience and
(2) your interest in expanding into securities/Nasdaq and broader inhouse leadership
Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit considering qualifications skills performance and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.
We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen!
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Required Experience:
IC
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